New start

Relief, that the election was peaceful and fair. Hope, that the death of Yasser Arafat and the election of Abbas has provided a new opportunity for peace.

"We extend our hands to our neighbors," said Abbas. "We are ready for peace peace based on justice. We hope that their response will be positive."

The real test of Abbas' intentions will be his handling of radical Palestinians who encourage young people to become suicide bombers and kill Israelis.

Abbas says the violence must stop. But will he be willing to challenge violent groups like Hamas? In the end, Arafat never was willing to do that, eroding his own standing as a reliable negotiating partner with Israel and the United States.

Equally tested, of course, will be the Israeli government. Under Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, Israel has mounted numerous military actions against Palestinians, increasing anti-Israeli sentiments.

With Arafat gone, with a peaceful election accomplished, Israel must acknowledge that peace cannot be achieved through military means. It also must keep commitments to end Israeli settlements in the occupied territories.

The Bush administration also will be tested by Abbas' victory. Monday, President Bush welcomed the election of Abbas. He also offered support for British Prime Minister Tony Blair's proposal for a one-day conference in London on the Middle East.

But the president continues to resist suggestions that the United States take advantage of this change in Palestinian leadership to ratchet up pressure on both sides to find their way back to the negotiating table.

Instead, the president insists Abbas must first prove himself by taking on violent Palestinian groups, something Washington knows is too delicate an undertaking for a newly elected president.

As Palestinians stood in line to vote, their pride and sense of hope was evident. They were freely making their choice; they were hoping the election would lead to a better life.

Washington must reach out to the Palestinian people. Only the United States is in a position to move Israeli and Palestinian leaders in a new direction. The president will squander an important opportunity if he does not even try.